Garment Hanger

ABSTRACT

A garment hanger having a frame, wherein a polymeric sheath defining a garment contacting surface is located over a portion of the frame. The polymeric sheath can be of a cellular structure. A further garment hanger includes an overchannel sized to increase the garment contacting surface, wherein the overchannel engages the frame. The frame can include a continuous convex surface extending from a hook to a transverse strut.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 10/775,454filed Feb. 10, 2004, which is expressly incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to garment hangers and, more particularly,to garment hangers having a low cost frame for reducing garmentdeformation, and a secondary garment contacting surface for engaging theframe, wherein the garment contacting surface is selected to reduceundesirable deformation of garments retained by the hanger.

2. Description of Related Art

Plastic garment hangers are widely used for the purpose of shipping anddisplaying garments. Particularly, in the garment manufacturingindustry, such a hanger is often an inexpensive ship-on type, wherebythe garment is shipped from the manufacturer or wholesaler to theretailer while suspended from the hanger. Generally, such garmenthangers are single-piece or unitary plastic structures adapted to beeither discarded at the time of sale, returned to the garmentmanufacturer, or provided to a customer free of charge in conjunctionwith the purchase of the suspended garment.

Alternatively, a metal wire is bent into a hanger shape having a hook; apair of depending, diverging garment contacting arms; and a horizontalstrut extending horizontally between terminal ends of the divergingarms. These metal hangers are also relatively inexpensive and are oftensingle use devices. The performance of these metal hangers contributesto the single use of the hangers. For example, terminal ends of the armsof the metal hangers will create puckers or bumps in the shoulder/sleeveof a garment disposed on the hanger. This problem is especially acutewith the garment is damp or moist when disposed on the hanger. Further,moist garments tend to enhance oxidation, or rust, of the metal hanger,thereby potentially staining the garment.

Therefore, the need exists for a relatively inexpensive garment hangerwith increased performance. The need also exists for a garment hangerthat can provide increased contact length with the garment to reducedistortion of the garment, including puckering. A need also exists for agarment hanger that can be formed in accordance with existingtechnologies, so as to be efficiently produced, wherein the hanger canbe modified to significantly increase performance and perceived value.The need also exists for a hanger accessory that can be readilymanufactured and engaged with a preexisting hanger to increase thecapability of the hanger.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved garment hanger, which can beeconomically manufactured to provide enhanced performancecharacteristics. The present invention also includes an accessory to anexisting hanger, wherein the performance and capacity of the existinghanger is increased.

In one configuration, the garment hanger includes a frame formed toprovide a hook; a pair of depending, diverging garment engaging arms;and an interconnecting strut, typically horizontally disposed tointerconnect terminal ends of the garment engaging arms. The frame hassubstantially continuously curvilinear portions selected to reducedeformation or puckering of a garment hung from the frame. Preferably,at least the terminal ends of the garment engaging arms define acontinuously curvilinear profile. However, it is understood the garmentengaging arms form a curvilinear profile. The frame can thus define acontinuous convex surface for contacting the garment. Further, thegarment engaging arms are sized such that the terminal ends of the armsare at least approximately 21 inches apart. In addition, the curvilinearconfiguration of the frame can be effectively “oversized” with respectto industry standard hanger sizing. The garment hanger is constructed todispose the garment engaging arms intermediate the strut and the hook.

In one configuration, a polymeric sheath is disposed along at least aportion of one of the garment engaging arms. The polymeric sheath canhave any of the variety configurations including encapsulation,concentric mounting, and eccentric mounting as well as overmolding. Thepolymeric sheath can have a substantially constant cross section alongits length. Alternatively, the polymeric sheath can be overmolded toprovide a varying cross section along a longitudinal dimension of thepolymeric sheath.

An alternative configuration, an overchannel, is constructed tocooperatively engage the existing hanger. The overchannel has agenerally U-shaped cross section, a longitudinal axis, and an aperturesized to receive the hook. In one construction, the overchannel extendsbeyond terminal ends of the garment engaging arms of the frame and issufficiently rigid to support the garment beyond the terminal ends ofthe arms. Further, the overchannel can define a substantially differentcontact length than the underlying arms of the hanger. It is furthercontemplated the curvilinear frame can be employed with either thepolymeric sheath or the overchannel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a traditional garment hanger.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a frame of the present invention incomparison to an industry standard metal frame.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a traditional garment hangerincluding the present polymeric sheath.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the traditional garment hangerincluding an alternative construction of the polymeric sheath.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing an overchannel operablyengaged with the traditional garment hanger.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the overchannel with thetraditional garment hanger.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative construction ofthe overchannel with the traditional garment hanger.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational, partial cutaway view showing theoverchannel with the present frame.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the further construction of theoverchannel.

FIG. 11 is an end elevational view of the overchannel of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the overchannel of FIG. 10separated from the hanger.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational, partial perspective view of anotherconfiguration of the overchannel.

FIG. 14 is an end view of the overchannel of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another configuration of theoverchannel operably engaged with the hanger frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a traditional garment hanger 2 includes a frame 3having a hook 4, a pair of depending garment engaging arms 6, and atransverse strut 8. Typically, the entire garment hanger 2 is formed ofa single piece of wire or metal. The wire is often shaped to define thehook 2, the arms 6, and the strut 8, wherein one end of the wire forms afree end of the hook 2 and the remaining end of the wire is wrappedabout the frame intermediate the hook and the junction of the arms 6.

Referring to FIG. 2, the present invention contemplates a curvilinearframe 60. The curvilinear frame 60 includes a hook 62, a pair ofdepending garment engaging arms 66, and an interconnecting strut 68. Theframe 60 can be formed of any of a variety of materials, including butnot limited to wire, plastic, or composites. However, it is believedthat wire can provide a cost efficient material for forming the frame60.

The garment engaging arms 66 are constructed to define the width of theframe 60. The garment engaging arms 66 include a continuouslycurvilinear profile and extend from the ends of the strut 68 to the hook62. The garment engaging arms 66 define the maximum width of the frame,wherein the strut 68 defines the lowest portion of the frame 60.Preferably, at least the portions of the garment engaging arms 66 thatdefine the maximum width of the hanger are continuously curvilinear.However, it is understood at least substantially that the entire lengthof the garment engaging arms can be curvilinear. The curvilinear profileof the garment engaging arms 66 is selected to minimize or precludedeformation or puckering of the garment, typically associated with thegarment draping to locate the effective center of mass of theunsupported portions of the suspended garment beyond the terminal endsof the garment engaging arms. That is, the center of mass of the portionof a sleeve that does not contact the garment engaging arms 66 is beyond(or at) the terminal ends (maximum width) of the arms, rather thanswinging to drape between the terminal ends of the arms. Thus, thegarment engaging arms 66 are sized to locate the center of mass of anyunsupported portion of the garment beyond the maximum width of thehanger, as defined by the garment engaging arms. Alternatively stated,the garment engaging arms 66 define a greater width than the strut 68.As seen in FIG. 2, the strut 68 defines the bottom portion of the hanger60, yet the horizontal dimension of the strut is less than thehorizontal dimension of the garment engaging arms 66. That is, the strut68 is the portion of the frame 60 that is vertically spaced furthestfrom the hook 62, and the strut 68 has a smaller horizontal dimensionthan the garment engaging arms 66. The garment engaging arms 66 arethereby disposed intermediate the hook 62 and the strut 68.

In a preferred configuration, the garment engaging arms 66 define awidth of at least approximately 21 inches. In contrast, prior hangershave a width of approximately 16 inches. The strut 68 can have a lengthof approximately 16 inches. Thus, as seen in FIG. 2, the garmentengaging arms 66 curve towards each other as the arms extend beyond themaximum width of approximately 21 inches. The distance from the lowerend of the hook (where the garment engaging arms diverge) to thehorizontal strut 68 is between approximately 9 and 10 inches. Referringto FIG. 2, the vertical distance from the strut 68 to the lower end ofthe hook is between approximately 9 and 10 inches.

In a preferred configuration, the garment engaging arms 66 of the frame60 define a continuously convex (bowed) surface for engaging thegarment. The radius of curvature of the garment engaging arms 66 can beconstant or can vary along the length of the arms. The length of thegarment engaging arms 66 and the radius of curvature of the convexsurface defined by the garment engaging arms are selected to precludedeformation of the garment by the terminal ends of the garment engagingarms. Thus, the garment engages the frame 60 along a curvilinearsurface, and the weight bearing length of the garment engaging arms 66is curvilinear. Further, the curvature of the garment engaging arms 66is sufficient to preclude the center of mass of the unsupported portionof the garment from draping within the terminal ends of the arms.Further, the radius of curvature of the garment engaging arms 66decreases such that the arms converge at the joining with the strut 68.Although the garment engaging arms 66 are described in terms of anapproximately 21 inch width, it is understood that the desired curvaturecan be employed in a smaller width frame to accommodate smallergarments.

The frame 60 can be formed from any of a variety of materials, such asbut not limited to metal, plastics, or elastomers. In one configuration,the frame 60 is formed of a metal wire having a diameter of 0.125 (⅛)inches.

The frame 60 can be employed in connection with a polymeric sheath 20 oran overchannel 40 (shown in FIG. 6).

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, in a further configuration, the presentinvention provides a polymeric sheath 20 disposed along at least aportion of the frame 3. The polymeric sheath 20 can be operably disposedabout the frame 3 by any of a variety of mechanisms includingovermolding and sleeve mounting. While the polymeric sleeve is describedin terms of the traditional hanger 3, it is understood the polymericsheath can be employed with the present frame 60.

In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, the polymeric sheath 20 ispreformed to have any given inner diameter of 22 and a given outerdiameter 24. Typically, the inner diameter 22 is selected to receive across section of the frame 3. Although the inner diameter 22 can be avariety of sizes with respect to a given cross section of the frame, theinner diameter is preferably selected to receive the cross section ofthe frame while providing friction contact with the frame 3. The sizingof the inner diameter 22 can be at least partially determined by theintended construction of the hanger 2. That is, if the sheath 20 is tobe slid onto a length of the frame 3, the inner diameter 22 can be sizedto allow the wire to slide along the inner diameter. Alternatively, ifthe polymeric sheath 20 is to be transversely slipped over the wire,then the inner diameter 22 can be smaller than the diameter of theframe. That is, the polymeric sheath 20 may not completely circumscribethe cross section of the wire, but rather extend a portion of theperiphery, such as preferably at least 270°.

The outer diameter of the polymeric sheath 20 can be selected to provideany of a variety of contact surfaces for the garment. For example, theouter diameter 24 of the polymeric sheath 20 can be as much as 2 timesto over 10 times the diameter of the encompassed frame. Thus, a wallthickness of the polymeric sheath 20 can be selected to provide any of avariety of performances for the sheath.

The polymeric sheath 20 is selected of a material to substantiallypreclude degradation, discoloration, or staining of the garmentcontacting the polymeric sheath. Further, the polymeric sheath 20 isselected to preclude degradation, discoloration, or staining of thegarment independent of the moisture of the garment. In addition, anouter surface of the polymeric sheath 20 can be treated or formed toprovide either increased or decreased coefficient of friction. Thecoefficient of friction can be selected in response to the intendedgarments to be retained on the hanger.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the polymeric sheath 20 can be configured toencapsulate selected portions of the frame 3, substantially the entireframe, or the entire length of the frame. For example, the polymericsheath 20 can be sized to encapsulate only the arms. In thisconfiguration, the polymeric sheath substantially defines the garmentcontacting surface. Referring to FIG. 5, it is contemplated thepolymeric sheath 20 can be concentric with the frame 3. Alternatively,the polymeric sheath 20 can be constructed to be eccentric with respectto the frame 3.

The polymeric sheath 20 can be formed to have a substantially denseconfiguration, or a cellular configuration. In the cellularconfiguration, the polymeric sheath 20 can have any of the variety ofresiliencies or hardnesses. For example, the polymeric material can befrom approximately 25 Shore A to approximately 60 Shore D. The hardnessof the polymeric sheath 20 can be selected in view of the anticipatedloading or garment weight. Thus, in selected configurations, thepolymeric sheath 20 is a different material than the frame 3.

The polymeric sheath 20 can be separately formed as a tube or sleevehaving a longitudinally extending cut through a wall of the sleeve. Thecut can be a mere incision or, alternatively, a removal of sufficientmaterial to permit passage of the cross section of the frametherethrough.

Alternatively, the polymeric sheath 20 can be formed by an overmoldingon the frame 3. The overmolding can be formed at selected locations, oralternatively along the entire length of the frame 3. In the overmoldingconfiguration, it is contemplated that the resulting cross section ofthe polymeric sheath 20 can be substantially different than theunderlying frame 3 and thus provide a custom or configured garmentcontacting length, which is different than the garment contacting lengthdefined by the underlying arms 6.

It is also contemplated that the polymeric sheath 20 can have a varyingdensity along the longitudinal dimension of the sheath. For example,sections of the sheath 20 can have a first density and second sectionsof the sheath can have a greater second density. Thus, portions of thesheath can be dense material and remaining portions can be a cellularmaterial.

Each of the configurations of the polymeric sheath 20 can be employedwith a presently described curvilinear (oversized) hanger, as seen inFIGS. 10 and 11. It is also understood that the polymeric sheath 20 canbe employed with traditional hangers, thereby increasing the utility andfunctionality of an existing traditional hanger.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the overchannel configuration, an overchannel 40is selected to alter the garment contacting surface of the frame 3.Preferably, the garment contacting surface area defined by theoverchannel 40 is substantially larger than the garment contactingsurface area defined by the frame 3. The increased garment contactingsurface area can be defined by the cross section of the overchannel 40,as well as a longitudinal dimension of the overchannel with respect tothe depending arms 6 of the frame 3. That is, the overchannel 40 can besized to extend beyond the terminal end of the garment contacting arms 6of the frame 3. As seen in FIG. 6, the overchannel extends beyond theterminal end of the garment contacting arms 6 of the frame 3 byapproximately 40% and in FIG. 9 by approximately 36% of the length ofthe garment engaging arm. Thus, the overchannel 40 increases theeffective size of the hanger, without requiring additional material inthe underlying frame 3.

The overchannel 40 can be configured to have a substantially U-shapedcross section defined by a closed end 42 and a pair of extending legs44, 46. The legs 44, 46 can be substantially parallel, converging, ordiverging with respect to the closed end. As seen in FIGS. 7, 8, 12, 14,and 15, the overchannel can have a variety of cross sections.

The overchannel 40 can be formed of a single integral piece of material.Alternatively, it is contemplated that the overchannel 40 can be definedby a first layer forming a first leg 44 and a second layer forming asecond leg 46, wherein the first layer and the second layer are bondedtogether to form the closed end 42. Referring to FIG. 6, the overchannel40 can include an aperture or notch 49 for passing the hooktherethrough.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10 and 14, in one configuration, an inner surfaceof at least one of the legs 44, 46 includes a capture tab 48 sized toengage a portion of the frame 3, such as the arm 6, to locate the frameintermediate the capture tab and the closed end of the overchannel 40.It is understood that both legs 44, 46 can include capture tabs 48,wherein the capture tabs are opposed to each other or offset along thelongitudinal dimension of the overchannel 40.

The capture tabs 48 can be configured to allow removal of theoverchannel 40 from the frame 3. Alternatively, the capture tabs 48 cancooperatively engage so as to trap a portion of the frame 3 andsubstantially preclude nondestructive separation of the overchannel 40from the frame.

In a further configuration, it is contemplated that the capture tabs 48can be sized and located such that the longitudinal axis of theoverchannel 40 is inclined with respect to the underlying arm 6 of theframe 3. The overchannel 40 and the frame 3 are not coplanar, and theoverchannel can provide enhanced support to the garment. Thus, therespective arms of the overchannel 40 can be disposed in intersectingplanes.

The overchannel 40 can be configured to provide a substantiallydifferent garment contacting surface than the frame 3. The garmentcontacting surface of the overchannel 40 can be curvilinear, linear, ormultifaceted. For example, in one configuration, the overchannel 40extends beyond a terminal end of the arms 6 of the frame 3. In thisconfiguration, the length of the garment contacting surface of theoverchannel 40 is greater than the length of the garment contactingsurface of the underlying arm 6 or frame 3. The overchannel 40 ispreferably formed of a material to be sufficiently self-supporting so asto maintain the extended length of the garment contacting surface underloading. The overchannel 40 is sufficiently rigid to maintain thegarment contacting surface without requiring continuous support of theframe 3. That is, the overchannel 40 does not substantially deform uponretaining a garment such as a winter coat or sweater.

The overchannel 40 can be formed from any of a variety of materials. Forexample, thermosets, thermoplastics, and thermoplastic elastomers can beemployed. Alternatively, the overchannel 40 can be formed frombiodegradable products, and paperboard, cardboard and corrugatedmaterials. As in selection of material for the polymeric sheath, thematerial of the overchannel 40 is selected to be nondegrading andnonstaining to a retained garment. Preferably, the material of theoverchannel 40 and the configuration of the overchannel, such as thethickness along the cross section, are selected to render theoverchannel self-supporting as it overhangs the arms 6 of the frame 3.

In selected configurations, the overchannel 40 is constructed to definea profile as provided by the garment engaging arms 66. That is, theoverchannel 40 defines a garment contacting surface that minimizes orprecludes puckering or distortion of the garment.

In one configuration, the frame 3 has arms of a given length, whereinthe overchannel 40 has a longitudinal dimension greater than the givenlength. The overhang or excess length of the overchannel 40 can beselected in part in response to the size of the underlying frame 3 andintended garments to be retained.

Alternatively, as seen in FIGS. 10 and 13, the overchannel 40 can definea substantially curvilinear profile, wherein the curvilinear profile hassubstantially the same as the density frame. However, it is understood,the overchannel 40 can extend beyond the width of the frame.

It is also understood the overchannel 40 can be employed in conjunctionwith the polymeric sheath 20. However, in view of market efficiencies,it is anticipated that only one of the overchannel 40 and the polymericsheath 20 would be used in a given hanger.

It is further recognized the overchannel 40 can be used in connectionwith the curvilinear hanger. In addition, the overchannel 40 can beselected to cooperatively engage the traditional wire hanger, therebyincreasing the functionality of an existing hanger.

While the invention has been described in connection with a presentlypreferred embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art will recognizethat many modifications and changes can be made without departing fromthe true spirit and scope of the invention, which accordingly isintended to be defined solely by the appended claims.

1. A garment hanger, comprising: (a) a frame having a hook, a pair ofgarment engaging arms, and a transverse strut, the garment engaging armsdefining a continuously convex profile between the hook and thetransverse strut, the strut being vertically spaced from the hook by adistance which is greater than a distance the garment engaging armsvertically extend from the hook.
 2. The garment hanger of claim 1,wherein the convex profile has a constant radius of curvature.
 3. Thegarment hanger of claim 1, wherein the convex profile has a varyingradius of curvature.
 4. The garment hanger of claim 1, wherein thetransverse strut has a length of at least 21 inches.
 5. A garmenthanger, comprising: (a) a frame having a hook, a pair of garmentengaging arms, and a transverse strut, the garment engaging armsdefining a continuously convex profile between the hook and thetransverse strut, the garment engaging arms being entirely disposedintermediate the strut and the hook.
 6. The garment hanger of claim 5,wherein the convex profile has a constant radius of curvature.
 7. Thegarment hanger of claim 5, wherein the convex profile has a varyingradius of curvature.
 8. The garment hanger of claim 5, wherein thetransverse strut has a length of at least 21 inches.